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Air fryer French toast sticks - Featured

Crispy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: 10 Min Magic

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July 9, 2025

Okay, so you know those mornings, right? The ones where you hit snooze *one too many times* and suddenly you’re rushing around like a headless chicken? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I’m so obsessed with these air fryer French toast sticks. They are an absolute lifesaver. Forget soggy, messy pan-fried French toast – these are perfectly crispy, golden little beauties that come together in a flash. My whole goal here is to make delicious, impressive breakfasts feel totally doable, even on your craziest mornings. Seriously, these air fryer French toast sticks are a total game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Okay, so why are these my go-to? Let me tell you!

  • Seriously Easy: You guys, these are SO simple. Just dip and air fry – that’s pretty much it!
  • Lightning Quick: Perfect for those mornings when you’re running behind. We’re talking a delicious, kid friendly breakfast in minutes.
  • Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely devour these. They’re the perfect size for little hands, and honestly, they taste like a special treat.
  • Crispy Perfection: The air fryer magic happens here! You get that amazing golden-brown crunch on the outside and a lovely, soft center every single time.
  • Busy Morning Saver: Plus, they’re way less messy than traditional French toast. The air fryer keeps everything contained, so cleanup is a dream. You’ll be reaching for this quick French toast sticks recipe again and again!

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts, and it’s really nothing complicated. You just need a few good things:

  • Eggs: 4 large ones are perfect for our custard base.
  • Milk: 1/2 cup of milk – any kind works, dairy or non-dairy.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. These give it that classic French toast warmth.
  • Sugar: Just 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar for a hint of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to boost all those lovely flavors.
  • Bread: This is key! Grab about 8 slices of thick-cut bread. Challah or brioche are amazing here, but a good sturdy white bread works too. We’ll cut these into strips later!
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter, melted and ready to go.
  • Optional Toppings: A little maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some fresh fruit. These are totally up to you!

How to Make Air Fryer French Toast Sticks: Step-by-Step

Okay, so making these is honestly pretty simple, but you want to do it right for that perfect crispy bite! It’s really just a few easy steps. You’ve got this!

Preparing the Egg Mixture

First things first, grab a shallow dish – like a pie plate or a wide bowl works perfectly. Into that, we’re going to whisk together those gorgeous eggs, the milk, that warm cinnamon, a tiny bit of nutmeg (don’t go crazy with the nutmeg, just a whisper!), a tablespoon of sugar for sweetness, and that little splash of vanilla extract. Whisk it all up until it’s nice and combined, almost like a smooth, pale custard. No eggy bits hiding in there!

Dipping the Bread

Now, take your bread strips – remember, about an inch thick is ideal. Dip each strip into that yummy egg mixture. You want to give them a nice coating on all sides. Think of it like giving the bread a little bath in all that goodness. Let any extra drip off for a second so they don’t get *too* heavy. We want perfectly coated, not dripping wet.

Arranging in the Air Fryer

Time for the air fryer! Lay your coated bread strips in the basket. It’s super important here to do it in a single layer. Don’t pile them on top of each other, or they won’t get nice and crispy all around. If you’ve got a lot of bread, just do it in batches. It’s way better to cook them in two rounds than to have them steam instead of crisp up.

Air Frying to Golden Perfection

Now for the magic! Brush the tops of those bread strips with a little bit of that melted butter. This is going to help them get that beautiful golden color. Pop them into your preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C). We’re going to let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Crucially, about halfway through, give the basket a little shake or flip them over so they get perfectly golden and crispy on *both* sides. When they come out, they should be beautifully browned and feel firm to the touch. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Alright, you’ve prepped your batter and cut your bread – now let’s make sure these turn out absolutely perfect every single time! It’s all about a few small things that make a big difference. Trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two!

First, bread choice really does matter. That thick-cut challah or brioche? It’s amazing because it soaks up the custard without getting soggy. If you’re using regular sliced bread, just make sure it’s not *too* thin, and don’t let it sit in the egg mixture for too long. A quick dip is all you need! Also, nobody’s air fryer is exactly the same, right? So, keep an eye on those first few batches. If yours tend to run a bit hotter, you might need to trim a minute or two off the cooking time. A little practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll know your air fryer’s rhythm!

Serving and Enjoying Your Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Okay, so your gorgeous, crispy air fryer French toast sticks are hot out of the basket! Now what? This is where you can really have some fun and make them your own. My family loves a classic drizzle of warm maple syrup – it’s just fundamental, right? But don’t stop there!

For a little something extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar always feels special, maybe with a few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries scattered around. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny dollop of whipped cream or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can totally elevate these. They’re so versatile, so grab your favorites and dive in!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Okay, so, you’ve probably got some questions buzzing if you’re making these air fryer French toast sticks for the first time, and that’s totally fine! I get asked about these all the time. Let’s clear up a few things so you can get perfect results.

Can I use regular sliced bread for these air fryer French toast sticks?

While I really, *really* love using thick-cut bread like challah or brioche because it holds up so well and gets wonderfully crispy, you *can* use regular sliced bread if that’s what you have. Just be a little more careful! Don’t let it soak in the egg mixture for too long, and maybe give it just a quick dip on each side. The thinner bread can get soggy quicker, but a swift coating should do the trick!

How do I prevent my French toast sticks from getting soggy?

This is the million-dollar question, right? The biggest thing is not to let your bread get *too* saturated in the egg mixture. A quick dip and let the excess drip off is key. Also, as mentioned, thick-cut bread is your best friend here. It has more structure to handle the custard without falling apart or getting mushy. And, of course, make sure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket – that’s a recipe for steamed, not crispy, French toast!

What is the best temperature and time for air fryer French toast sticks?

So, for that perfect golden-brown and crispy yumminess, I usually go with 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so both sides get lovely and toasted! But, and this is important, every air fryer is a little bit different. Some run hotter or cooler. So, keep an eye on them during that last few minutes of cooking. You’re looking for that beautiful golden color and a firm feel. You’ll get the hang of your machine’s sweet spot quickly!

Storage and Reheating Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

So, what happens if you have perfectly cooked air fryer French toast sticks left over? Don’t worry, they’re still delicious, and storing and reheating them is a breeze! For storage, I like to let any leftovers cool down completely first. Then, just pop them into an airtight container or a resealable bag. You can keep them in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat and get that amazing crunch back, your air fryer is your best friend again! Just pop them back in at around 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they’re heated through and nice and crispy again. You can also use a toaster oven or even a regular oven, but the air fryer really does bring back that original crispiness the best!

Nutritional Estimate for Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but from experience, these air fryer French toast sticks are pretty balanced for breakfast. A serving of about 4-5 sticks usually comes in around 250 calories. You’re looking at about 12g of fat, most of which is the good stuff, 28g of carbs to give you energy, and a solid 9g of protein to keep you full. Remember, these are just estimates, okay? They can change a bit depending on the bread you use and exactly how much maple syrup or powdered sugar you add!

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Air Fryer French Toast Sticks

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Crispy and golden French toast sticks made easily in the air fryer, perfect for a quick and kid-friendly breakfast.

  • Author: Cat
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 slices of thick-cut bread (like challah or brioche), cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruit

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Let excess drip off.
  3. Arrange the coated bread strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
  4. Brush the tops of the bread strips with melted butter.
  5. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For crispier sticks, ensure the bread is not overly saturated with the egg mixture.
  • Thick-cut bread works best to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-5 sticks
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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Catherine Valdès is the creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Unfold Recipes. With a rich heritage blending Spanish traditions and Californian sensibilities, she believes that every meal has a story. After leaving a successful career in public relations to pursue her passion, Catherine honed her skills in a professional culinary arts program. Her focus is on creating approachable yet elegant recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. She combines her expertise in recipe development with a love for wine pairing and effortless entertaining, showing her audience how to create beautiful, delicious meals to share with loved ones.

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